Senator QUIRKE —My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs. Can you confirm that the `Dob in a don' hotline proposal is now regarded by the government as another failed initiative of the former education minister? Can you confirm reports that the hotline proposal, which Senator Vanstone maintained would provide a picture of students' experience, has been canned? Is it also true that members of the reference group, which was set up to advise how to implement the proposal, have been told by the higher education division head of DEETYA, Mr Gallagher, that Dr Kemp does not wish to proceed at all with this proposal?

Senator ELLISON —I am unaware of the situation in relation to that reference group and Dr Kemp. I will seek some details and get back to Senator Quirke.

Senator QUIRKE —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Could the minister also find out how much this initiative actually cost?

Senator ELLISON —I undertake to do that.